Saturday, 4 January 2014

New Zealand in Insty Form

I'm back dear friends! I can't wait to share all our big photos, but here is a sweet wee summary of our amazing trip home.

We had the most amazing time at home, seeing friends and family. I met my beautiful nephew for the first time and fell head over heels in love, the second I saw him. I saw that my sister has become an amazing mother and is so relaxed and fantastic with William - it's no wonder he is such a cool kid. We ate some amazing burgers, thank you burger fuel. We saw friends who are so fun to be with and despite the passing of time things are exactly the same each time we catch up. We sat in grass. We walked bare foot in grass. We lay on the grass in the sunshine. And went swimming in the clean blue ocean. We went exploring in swamps and searching for waterfalls. We walked dogs and cuddled with cats, fed chickens and took turns spotting eels and trout in the river. We drove up hills and around windy corners. We heard birds singing and cicadas chirping. And we fell in love with home all over again. We saw every single shade of green and then we saw some more. We ate yummy fish and chips, and lovey fresh fruit. We lit fireworks and drank cocktails with family on New Year's Eve. We saw William having his first Christmas, and giggling as he got to rip open wrapping paper. I talked with my Pop about his time in the navy, and had long chats with my Daddy about when he was a kid. Went shopping with Mum and got to hold her hand like I was little again. My sister and I didn't argue, not even once - an all time record, and I got to plait her hair and lend her jewelry. Rob and I got to make plans for the future, and learn more about our past. We picnicked in the park and watched a wee one cover himself in strawberry and yoghurt. We were lucky enough to see family and learn more about our history. We are blessed to have family around to pass on these things. One morning I woke up and opened the windows and said morning to two wee cows. We swam in the pool and drank cold beer. We laughed with everyone we were lucky enough to catch up with, and then occasionally got to crack up with strangers too.

As blessed as I feel to be living the expat life we do, there is just nothing like being home. We are from such a beautiful place and we are so lucky to have this paradise to go back to. Feeling a little sad to have left for another year, but very full of love and excitement for the new year.